Rotary electric switch



March 25, 1952 p, v u 2,590,658

ROTARY ELECTRIC SWITCH Filed April 6, 1949 Fig-5.

no? so 1M4 Fi .4. g l7 H Insulohon 34 g g) 44, 20

45 I Insulation 43 8 (3 WITNESSES:

I I7 7 l7 PoulSilvius. 9 4 4M Patented Mar. 25, 1952 ROTARY ELECTRIC SWITCH Paul Silvius, Murrysville, Pa., assignor to Westinghouse Electric Corporation, East Pittsburgh, l a., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application April 6, 1949, Serial No. 85,839

12 Claims.

This invention relates to electric switches and more particularly to switches of the rotary type which arev rotatable in opposite directions from a neutral position for the control of a plurality of electrical circuits- One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a rotary switch construction which combines rotary and push-pull movements in a novel manner in order to efficiently control various electrical circuits. 7

Another object of the invention is to provide a unitary switch construction of the above type capable of push-pull operation between two neutral positions and capable of rotary movement in opposite directions from either neutral position to selectively complete one or the other of the same pair of electrical circuits.

Still another object is to provide in a switch construction of the above character, a novel arrangement for resiliently biasing the switch to a normal position when the switch occupies either neutral position, together with means for preventing accidental movement of the switch from one neutral position to the other.

A still further object is to provide a switch of the above character which includes a novel arrangement of contact members to secure a selective control of a pair of electrical circuits when the switch is adjusted to either neutral position, the construction afiording a highly efficient and positive operation without the necessity of employing a large number of intricate elements.

The above and other objects and novel features of the invention will appear more fully hereinafter from the following detailed description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawing. It is to be expressly understood,'however, that the drawing is utilized for purposes of illustration only and is not to be taken as a definition of the limits of the invention, reference being had for this purpose to the appended claims.

,In the drawing, wherein similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views: "Figure 1 is an axial sectional view of a rotary push-pull switch embodying the principles of the present invention;

1 Fig. 2 is a perspective view of certain of the rotary contact members;

Fig'. -3'is a transverse sectional view taken substantially along line 111-411 of Fig. l;

-'= Fig.4 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 1 ex- I cept that the switch is illustrated in a different position of longitudinal adjustment, and

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic view of the switch contacts and circuit terminals controlled there by.

The system and circuit described in the copending application of John R. Dunbar, Serial No. 745,620, filed May 2, 1947, now Patent No. 2,484,210 dated October 11, 1949, on Control Systems, and assigned to the assignee of this invention, is illustrative of one arrangement where it is desirable to provide a unitary switch structure having two neutral positions from which the switch can be manually operated to other positions, but ,will automatically return to the neutral position from which it was moved to such other positions. While the particular application disclosed in the aforesaid copending application is in connection with a regulator which may normally be either automatically or manually controlled, thus defining the two desired neutral positions of a control switch therefor, and arranged so that similar test circuits may be established under either normal condition, it will be apparent that the switch hereinafter disclosed may be useful for the control of other apparatus as well.

Referring now to the drawing, a switch embodying the principles of the present invention is illustrated therein as embodying a casing; in which a switching member or rotor 8 is mounted for rotary movement in opposite directions and for longitudinal adjustment to two neutral positions, the latter adjustment being effected by a push-pull operation. Two pairs of contact fingers l0, I2 and l4, [6 are secured to the base I, which is of insulating material such as a phenolic material, by terminal bolts 9, and these may be connected externally to the electrical circuits it is desired to control. Casing 6 is completed by a cover H, preferably lined with a sheet of insulating material l3, such as fiber, and secured to base I by end brackets l5 having inturned flanges for receiving screws I! which secure the base and cover thereto. .Side plates [9 are received in grooves in the base, and held at their upper ends by flanges on cover H. In a manner which will appear more fully hereinafter, the contact fingers l0, I2 and I4, I6 cooperate with contact members I8 and 20, carried by a shaft 22, the latter being provided with a handle 24 in order to impart the desired switching movements to the member 8.

As shown, the switching member 8 includes .1 an insulating sleeve 26 which is provided with a suitable longitudinal groove for receiving an insulating rod 28 which serves to lock together, the various members constituting the rotor. In assembling the latter, the sleeve 26 is slipped on the shaft 22 following which a spring support 30 is fitted over the sleeve and these parts are secured to the shaft 22 as by a pin 32. Contact members 18 and 20 are assembled in contacting relation andan insulating disk 34 is positioned intermediate the said contact members and the spring support 30 as clearly illustrated in Figs. 1 and 4. Suitable insulating spacers, 36, 38 and 46 are provided for spacing the elements [8, 20 and 34 along the shaft 22, and all of the aforementioned'parts are secured together to form a unitary construction as by means of a screw 42 which has a sleeve .45ithereon to secure a washer 43 against adjacent spacer 46.

In order to control the circuits with which the control fingers Hi, I 2 and [4, I6 are connected, the contact member I 8 isprovided with a pair of spaced-apart contacts Hand 46 which are.

adapted to engage with the contact fingers land 12, respectively, upon rotatable movement of the rotor 8 in either direction from the normal positions-shown in Figs. 1 and 4. Contact member 20 on" the other hand. includes a contact 48. which is-ofsutficient axial extent as to be in constant engagement with the contact finger l6 irrespective-of the position of the rotor B, and also-in-. cludsacontact 50 which only engages the contact-finger I4when-the rotor-8 occupies the normal'neutralpcsition illustrated'inFig. 4. Thus with the arrangement of contacts just described, rotary movement of the .switching member- 8 counter-clockwise from the neutral positions shown in .Figs. 1 aud t, willselectivelyrcomplete a circuit through contact finger l5, contactsAB and'44 and contact finger); Rota-rymovement in.the-opposite direction from said-neutral positions-01 Figs. 1 and lwill'complete acircuit through contact finger I6, contacts 48 and 46 and contact finger l2. Hence, regardless of the longitudinal posi-ticnof theswitching member 8, one-or the other of the same pair of circuit may Ice-controlled byrotationof the rotor Sin opposite directions from either neutral position. On the other-hand, all circuits are open when the switch is-in the normal-neutral position of Fig. 1. When the. rotor is adjusted to the neutral position of tactafinger I6 is maintained. This action isuasportion 52 for receiving the contact 48 when the parts are assembled and contact finger I4 is V- shaped in section to facilitate its cam action on disk 34. j

In addition to the above features, the present invention provides a novel arrangement for resiliently biasing the rotor 8 to a central neutral position when the switch occupies the positions illustratedin Figs. 1 and 4. As shown in Fig. 3, such mean includes a double-acting spring 54 having its ends crossed over and positioned on oppositesides of pins 56 and 58, the former being carried by the spring support 30 and the lat ter being mounted in the front bracket [I5 of the casing 6. With such a construction, the rotor 8 is resiliently -maintained at all times in ithe normal centralized position shown in Fig. 3,; and automatically returns the rotor to such I position whenever the operator releases the handle 24.

One of the features ofthe invention resides in the provision of means for preventing accidental displacement. of theswitching member: 8: from. either ofits positions. of longitudinaladjustznent,'

while. said. switching member; occupies thec-nors mal centralized position. As shown, ,siichumeans' includes a flange 60. on. the. spring. supports. 30 which isv provided. with .a notch; 62, slightly dis.-. p aced with respe t to the: pin-58. see .Eig.z3,-'.When

th rotor aisSPri gentered to. neutral... With. h n m t. lon itudinal. adjustm ntof the rotor 8 from the position shown in .Fig, 1 to that illustrated in-F-ig, 4 is preventedrunless the rotor is turned a slight amount. in' aclockwise direction as viewedin'Fig, 3', in order-to align the notch 62. with the, pin-58. When-theparts reach the position shown in vFig. andthe handle 24 is:released, the.-flange 60. is received in a slot 64 formed inthepin 58..throug h.the actionof thespring 54. In this positionofthe switch, itwill be vunderstocdthat while rotatable movement of .the .rotor Bin opposite directions is p.ermitted..still inwardmovement .of the rotor 8;-is preventedfunlessthe latter is. slightly rotatedin a clockwise direction, as viewed in,Fig,..3..t0-ag m align the notch 62 with the. pin 58; Thus-while the rotor a-zmay. be rotated in opposite d rections in either position of longitudinal adjustment; push or pull operation ,ofthe. rotoiz'is f prevented unless the rotor is rotated a' slight :distance-from its normal'centra-lized position. Hence, any-accidental shifting of therotor '8 from either position oflongitudinal ad-justment' to the" other is prevented. It is desired-to point out that the- 7 construction of the parts is such that no circuits rotation of the rotor: '8 required for aligning the sured. by aproper. proportioning. of the. axial lengths of thecontacts 48 and 50 and bythe proare completed or-broken bytheslight amountof notch-62 with the pin 58.

In. operation, and assuming that; thenswitch occupiesthe position shown in Figs: '1, 3.:andg 5;

it will be readily understood thatall -circuits are broken.and:..that the switchis in the-"01! position-i Rotation .of the *handle124=-in. awcoiin, ter-clockwise direction as viewed:in.-.Fig; 3,.will

connect contact 44 to th contactfi'nger; lllzto. complete. a: circuit from thelatteri-to the-con- Y tact. finger. [6" by way oiv contacts: 44': and

This position of the switch may befterme he ra e position. In the; event. the handle. 141. is rotated in. the opposite direction. a circuit: is completed from the contactfingerilzator the 51in? ger 16. by way of contacts ;46uandz 48:. Inz-tI-iis position, the switch occupies: what may-.1; (1Q!- noted the:lower position. Thusit isseen hat from the normalbfi? position rrie. 11.; the rotor 8. may berotated in opposite.- directions" to a raise or a lower position in order to selectively complete either one of a pair of circuits. During the above-described operations, and upon release of handle 24, the rotor will automatically be returned to its oil position. It will be understood that the upper end of the contact finger l4 rides on the insulating disk 34 and is maintained out of engagement with respect to the contact 50 at all of the foregoing position Rotor 8 may be moved outwardly to the posi tion shown in Fig. 4 in order to establish another control circuit. In order to do this, the rotor is rotated a slight amount clockwise, to align the notch 62 with the pin 58 and is then pulled During movement of the rotor to the position shown in Fig. 4, which may be termed the automatic position, a circuit is automatically established from contact finger M to contact finger [6 through contacts 50 and 48, it being understood that the insulating disk 34 moves out of engagement with the finger l4 in order to permit engagement of the latter with the contact 50. Upon release of the rotor 8, and centering thereof through the action of spring 54, the aforesaid circuit will be maintained.

With the parts in the position shown in Fig. 4, it will be readily understood that upon rotatable movement of the rotor in opposite directions, the circuit from the finger I4 to the finger I6 through contacts 50 and 48 will be broken and circuits corresponding to the above-mentioned raise and lower positions will be selectively completed.

From the foregoing, it will be readily understood that the invention provides a novel switch construction wherein the rotor may be longitudinally shifted to one or the other of a pair of neutral positions and may be rotated from either neutral position to selectively complete one or the other of the same pair of electrical circuits. Thus the switch may be turned from one position to another without the necessity of passing through a third position. The arrangement proposed enables the rotor to be spring-centered in either neutral position while the use of the notch 62, the pin 58 and the slot 64 in the latter provides a construction for preventing accidental longitudinal displacement of the rotor when at all positions except one which is slightly displaced from the neutral positions, while allowing rotatable movement thereof when the rotor is either pushed in or pulled out. The invention thus provides a unitary switch construction which is not only highly eflicient in its operation but which embodies relatively few parts.

While one embodiment of the invention has been shown and described herein with considerable particularity, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention. Reference will, therefore, be had to the appended claims for a definition of the limits of the invention.

I claim as my invention:

1. A unitary switch construction comprising said switching member at positions to engage the elements of one pair of contact elements upon rotation of said switching member in opposite directions, respectively, from the neutral position at said first position of longitudinal adjustment, two others of. said contact portions being located on said switching member at positions to engage the elements of the other pair of contact elements when said switching member is longitudinally adjusted to the neutral position at said second position of longitudinal adjustment, and one of said other contact portions being larger in angular and axial extent to engage its contact element at all four positions of said switching member, for selectively connecting either element of said one pair of contact elements with one element of the other pair of contact elements as the switching member is rotated in opposite directions from the neutral position in said first position of longitudinal adjustment, and for completing another circuit between the elements of said other pair of contact elements when the switching member is longitudinally adjusted to the neutral position in said second position of adjustment.

2. A unitary switch construction comprising a support having two pairs of spaced-apart contact elements mounted thereon, a switching member mounted on said support for longitudinal adjustment between a first and a second position and for rotatable movement in opposite directions 'from a neutral position in each position of longitudinal adjustment, contact means having a plurality of contact portions carried by said switching member, two of said contact portions being angularly spaced on said switching member at positions to engage the elements of one pair of contact elements upon rotation of said switching member in opposite directions respectively, and said two contact portions being of suflicient axial length to engage said elements upon rotation from neutral position in either the first or second position of longitudinal adjustment, two others of said contact portions being located on said switching member at positions to engage the elements of the other pair of contact elements when said switching member is longitudinally adjusted to the neutral position at said second position of longitudinal adjustment, and one of said other contact portions being larger in angular and axial extent to engage its contact element at all six positions of said switching member, for selectively connecting either element of said one pair of contact elements with one element of the other pair of contact elements as the switching member is rotated in opposite directions from neutral in either the first or second position of longitudinal adjustment, and for completing another circuit between the elements of said other pair of contact elements when the switching member is moved to the neutral position in said second position of adjustment.

3. A unitary switch construction comprising a support having two pairs of spaced-apart contact elements mounted thereon, a switching member mounted on said support for adjustment in one plane between a first and a second position and for movement in spaced-apart planes in each of said positions, respectively, in opposite directions from a neutral position in each of said spaced planes, and contact means having contact portions carried by said switching member, two of said contact portions being spaced in the directions of said spaced planes on said r switching member atpositions to: engage theele- "ments f vone 'Jpair of .contact elements upon movement of said switching member in opposite directions, respectively, and .said :two contactportionsxextendingin the direction of :said first) planezan :amount sufiicient to engageisaid :elementsupon movement fromthe neutral' positions in either of said spaced planes, twoothers of :said contact portions being located on said :switching. member at positions to engage the elements of'the other pairlof contact elements when said switching member is adjusted to .the neutralposition'at said second position of'ad- .justment, and one of said other contact portions being greater in extent in the directionof'all .ofsaid planes to engage its contact element atall vsix-positions ofsaidiswitchingmember, and 00- operating with the contact elements to provide vselectively closeable circuits between either contact-element of one pairof elements and one element of the other pair of elements as the switching member is moved in opposite directions in either the first or second positions of adjustment, and to completea circuit between the elements of the other pair of contact elements when the-switchingmember is moved to the neutral position in the second position.

4. .A unitary switch construction comprising a support having a plurality of contact elements =mounted thereon, a switching member mounted rontsaid support for adjustment in oneplane between-afirst and a second position and for movementin. spaced-apart planes in each of said positions, respectively, in opposite directions from a. neutral position, resilient means movable lon- ,gitudinally with the switching member and en- =,gaging the switching member when it is in each :of said, spaced planes and biasing itto the neutral position in eachplane, contact means car- .ried%: by the switching member and cooperable withvthe contact elements during movements of thewswitching member, and means for positively preventingadjustment of said switching member between said first and second positions except when said member is moved a relatively smallamount from the neutral positions in one of said spaced-apart planes.

:5. A unitary switch construction comprising a .support having contact elements mounted there- .on,.-a-switching member mounted on said support .for. longitudinal adjustment between a first and .asecond position and'for' rotatable movement in ,opposite directions from a neutral position in .each :position of adjustment, resilient means movable longitudinally with the switching: member engaging the switching memberatboth of its longitudinally adjusted positions and biasing itiitotthe neutral position corresponding to the longitudinal adjustment, contact means carried :byithe switching member and cooperable with ;,saidxcontact:elements during movements of :the :switching member, and means for positively preventing longitudinal adjustmentof said switching member between said first and second posi- "tions'except' whensaid member is rotateda relatively small amount'fromthe neutral positions.

"6. A unitary-switch construction comprising a "supporthaving two pairs of spaced-apart contact elements -mounted thereon, a switching member mounted on said support'for longitudinal adjustment between a first and a second position and for rotatable movement in opposite directions from a neutral position in each posi- '.tion of adjustment, a plurality of contacts car- '"ried by said switching member for-selectively connecting either element :of one .1 pair :'of contact? elements with; one; element of the :otherzpair loficontacteelements as the switchingimember-uls rotated in .opposite directions 'from neutralixin "either the first or: second positionofadjustment, candifor-icompleting anothercircuit betweenbthe "elements of .said 1 other pair of contact elements whenxthe switching imember 1 is moved toxthe neutral. position in ."said second position of za'd- 'justment,iresilient' means movable longitudinally =-with l the :switchi'ng "member and engaging ;the switching member. at. both of its longitudinally adjusted? positionsandfbia'sing it to" the neutral position :;corresponding to the l longitudinal -adjustment, and means for positively 1' preventing --lon'gitudinali adjustment: of "said switching mem- --ber between said :first and second positions except whenrsai'd member is rotatedarelatively .isma'lliiamounti from the; neutral positions.

7. A. unitary: switch construction comprising a support r having :a plurality of contact elements mounted'thereon, a switching member mounted on: said support for adjustment in onezplanebetween a first and a second position .and for movement in spaced-apart planesin'each of said.posi

- tions in oppositev directions froma neutralgposition inea'ch' of said spaced'planes, resilient means for normally maintaining the switchingimember: in the neutral positions, means carried 1' by the switching member and cooperable with: -the contact elements during :movements "of tithe switching member, apin'carriedby the support, a locking member carried by the switching member,- the locking' member having a flanged part to'abut the end of the pin'when the switching memberv occupies .the neutral positionxini the J first position of adjustment, the said flanged 'part having an opening ofiset from said pinsand adapted to receive the pin to allowadjustment of'theswitching member from' thefirst .tofthe 'secon'd po'sitionuponmovement of said member a "slight amount in'one ofrsaid' spaced apart planes" from the neutral position,'and saidzpin being provided with a slot for receiving the flanged part when the switching member 0ccupies the second position of adjustment.

" 8. A unitary switch construction comprising a support having two pairs of. spaced-apart 'con- 'tact elements mounted thereon, a switching member'mounted on said support for. longitudi- "nal a'djustment between 'a'first "and a 'second position and for rotatablemovement in opposite directions "from a neutral position in each;posltion of adjustment, and 'a plurality of contacts carried by. said switching." memberrfor' selectively connecting either element of one:pairof contact elements with one'element of the other'pair of contact elements as the switching .memberis 'rotated in opposite directions from neutral in -xelther.the first or second position of adjustment,

' angularly offset -from 'said pin'and adapted to receive the pin to allow adjustment of the switching memberfromlthe first to the 1 second position ppon rotation of said member a slight amountmm the neutral position, and said pin being provided with a slot for receiving said part when the switching member occupies the second position of adjustment.

9. A unitary switch construction comprising a support-having contact elements mounted thereon, a switching member mounted on said support forlongitudinal adjustment between a first and a second position and for rotatable movement in opposite directions from a neutral position in! each position of adjustment, resilient means for normally maintaining the switching member in the neutral positions, means carried by the switching member and cooperable with said contact elements during movements of the switching member, a pin carried by the support, a locking member carried by the switching member, the locking member having a part to abut the end of the pin when the switching member occupies the neutral position in the first position of adjustment, the said part having an opening oifset from said pin and adapted to receive thepin to allow adjustment of the switching member from the first to the second position upon rotation of said member a slight amount from the neutral position, and said pin being provided with a slot for receiving said part when the switching member occupies the secand position of adjustment.

10. A switch comprising a support, a contactcarrying rotor mounted on said support for push-pull axial movement to one or the other of a pair of neutral positions, and mounted for rotatable movement in opposite directions in either neutral position, a single spring movable axially with. the rotor and engaging said rotor at both axial positions thereof for centering said rotor in-either neutral position, contact elements carried by the casing for cooperation with the rotor during rotatable and push-pull movements of thelatter, a first member carried by the casing, a second member carried by the rotor and cooperating with the first member to prevent axial movement of the rotor in either axial direction when the rotor occupies its spring-centered position, and means formed on one of said members to allow axial movement of the rotor in opposite directions when the latter is rotated a relatively small distance from its spring-centered position,

11. A unitary switch construction comprising, a support having a plurality of contact elements mounted thereon, a switching member mounted on said support for adjustment in one plane between a first and a secondpcsition and for movement in spaced-apart planes in each of said positions, respectively, in opposite directions from a neutral position, resilient means movable axially with the switching member and engaging the switching member when it is in each of said spaced planes and biasingit to the neutral position in each plane, and contact means carried by the switching member and cooperable with the contact elements during movements of the switching member.

12. A switch comprising, a support, contact actuating means mounted for axial movement and for rotation at two different axial positions on said support, contact means mounted on said support, said contact actuating means having means to complete a circuit through at least some of said contacts in response to axial movement and to rotative movements thereof from both of said axial positions, spring means movable axially with the contact actuating means and engaging said contact actuating means at both of its axial positions to bias it to a neutral rotative position at each of said axial positions, and means angularly ofiset a relatively small amount from each neutral position for positively preventing axial movement of said contact actuating means unless the latter is rotated such small amount from either neutral position.

PAUL SILVIUS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 243,274 Lane June 21, 1881 1,552,705 Johnson Sept. 8, 1925 1,836,838 Coldwell Dec. 15, 1931 1,878,602 Ringbloom Sept. 20, 1932 1,887,883 Churcher Nov. 15, 1932 2,282,709 Day May 12, 1942 

